Leading the News -

Burkina Faso -

On January 15th, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for a string of attacks in Burkina Faso that took the lives of 29 civilians from at least seven countries. Islamist fighters attacked the Splendid Hotel in Ouagadougou, in addition to Cappuccino, a popular cafe across the street known for its European menu and free Wi-Fi. After nine hours of clashes, three attackers were cornered in the nearby Bush Taxi restaurant and shot dead. While it was not immediately clear if the attackers were part of a local cell or sent to Burkina Faso from Mali, authorities suspect the groups picked high profile targets to inflict maximum damage and to rattle the country’s democratic transition.

On January 16th, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the terrorist attacks carried out in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, which resulted in more than 29 deaths and many other people wounded. Secretary General Ban also reiterated the full support of the United Nations (U.N.) to the authorities of Burkina Faso and said he stands in solidarity with the country and the region in the fight against terrorism.